SMU Will Launch Basketball Season Against Southern
The Mustangs face Southern at Moody Coliseum on November 2 following a significant roster overhaul.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
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The SMU men's basketball team opens its 2026-27 season on November 2 against Southern after a major roster transformation. This rebuilding effort follows the team's 2026 NCAA Tournament appearance and the departure of ten players.
Why it matters
The Mustangs are looking to build on their 2026 tournament berth despite losing five starters to graduation and the transfer portal. Coaches hope the integration of a highly-ranked transfer class will maintain the program's momentum.
The new roster includes eight transfers and two freshmen, accounting for 75% of the team. Returning players Jaden Toombs and Jermaine O'Neal Jr. averaged 8.3 and 4.5 points per game respectively last season.
The players
Jaden Toombs
He is a returning rotation player who averaged 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season.
Jermaine O'Neal Jr.
He is a returning rotation player who averaged 4.5 points and 2 rebounds per game last season.
Billy White III
He is a 6-8 returning player for the Mustangs.
Nic Codie
He is a player expected by the coaching staff to step into an expanded role this season.
Jaylin Stewart
He is a player projected to take on a larger responsibility within the team's offense.
The details
The team has prioritized ball movement and cutting during preseason training to integrate its new personnel. Coaches have indicated that returning players like Billy White III, who stands 6-8, will be expected to support expanding roles for teammates Nic Codie and Jaylin Stewart.
Timeline
2017: The year SMU last reached the NCAA Tournament before their 2026 return.
2026: The year the Mustangs competed in the NCAA First Four.
- 2026-10-06
The date the head coach addressed the media at ACC media days in Charlotte, N.C.
- 2026-11-02
The scheduled date for the season opener at Moody Coliseum.
Season Trajectory
The current roster transition follows the team's loss in the 2026 NCAA First Four, serving as the primary motivation for the coaching staff and returning players. Success this season will determine if the Mustangs can secure consecutive tournament berths after a long drought that lasted from 2017 to 2026.
With eight transfers joining the program, the rotation is expected to be highly fluid throughout the early non-conference schedule. Fans should monitor the minutes shared between returning contributors and the high-ranked transfer class to gauge the team's primary scoring threats.
The takeaway
Rebuilding a team with 75% new personnel requires rapid chemistry development during the early preseason exhibition games. The Mustangs must effectively blend veteran returning players with their newcomers to replicate their 2026 success.
What happens next
The SMU men's basketball team will play their regular season opener against Southern on November 2 at Moody Coliseum.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming schedule, visit Dallas Basketball.
Live Poll
Do you feel optimistic about your local sports team after a massive roster turnover?
